Teaching resource Colour wheel

This resource will help you to explore the colour wheel.
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Cornelius_Caroline_2_CH
Key Stage

Designed for students aged 11–14 (UK Key Stage 3 / Years 7–9), but adaptable for other ages. 

Learning objectives

  •  Analyse how artists create harmonious colour schemes in their landscapes.

  • Use knowledge of complimentary colours to manipulate colour with skill.

Learning outcomes

  • A sustained landscape drawing using harmonious colours.

You will need
  • Soft Pastels
  • One large sheet of paper
  • Smaller paper for colour tests
Charlotte_Ager_5
Charlotte Ager Losing Summer Heat
Dorig-Maj_Lisa_1_CH
Maj Lisa Dörig Lost in Reflection

Exercise 1

The lines on this colour wheel show complimentary colour harmonies. If you pick a colour the colour on the other side is the harmonious complimentary. 

When two complimentary colours are mixed together you can create a grey that will harmonise with both colours.

Experiment with mixing greys of various tonal strengths with two harmonious colours of your choice. If you find any combinations you like be sure to use them in your sustained drawing. 

Exercise 2

With two complimentary colours of your choice begin your large scale landscape drawing. Try to use the greys as well to balance out these colours.

The colour wheel above shows how the same colour can contain many tones. Try to use these tones when you are drawing your landscape to create compelling contrasts.

Don’t be afraid to transform what you see into more lively colours.